Blake Angliss enjoyed a career best qualifying performance in the Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 SuperCup at Knockhill this past weekend (14/15 August), but was left frustrated as luck eluded him in the races.
With Knockhill being the latest track that Angliss had never visited before, the Coventry based racer took advantage of a test day on Monday and the traditional Friday free practice sessions to get to grips with the undulating 1.2 mile circuit in his Century Motorsport Ginetta G55.
Showing strong pace across both wet and dry conditions, Angliss was ready to tackle whatever challenges the weekend presented. With rain looming ahead of qualifying on Saturday morning, the rising star knew that posting a quick early lap was going to be crucial.
Angliss did exactly that, with a brilliant second flying lap propelling him to third on the timesheets before the rain started to fall, ensuring times wouldn’t improve. From a seasons’ best qualifying position, he had high hopes for the opening race that afternoon.
It proved to be a tough one for the Transend UK backed driver though, with a forceful move from another driver on lap one pushing him wide through the Clarks gravel trap. Recovering in the top ten, he fought hard to ninth at the chequered flag.
Angliss went on to produce a determined fightback from an early spin in race two on Saturday evening. From the back of the field, the Haigh Group, Splodge Hygiene, Lifeline and Icom backed driver produced competitive lap times as he battled back to 12th in class.
Unfortunately the weekend would end with further frustration in the final race. The 18 year old was battling on the fringes of the top ten once again when a parts failure on his Ginetta sent him into the gravel trap and out of the race.
Blake Angliss: “From the high of qualifying, it was a tough weekend from then on. I was pleased with the progress we made across testing and free practice, and the qualifying result was fantastic, but there was just no luck on my side across the races.
“The results didn’t go my way, but I’m taking away the positives and know that I’m gaining experience and knowledge every time I get in the car. I need a bit of Lady Luck on my side now and I’m hoping for a more positive weekend at Thruxton next.”
The 2021 Millers Oils Ginetta GT4 SuperCup season continues in two weeks’ time (28/29 August) with Angliss making a first ever visit to the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton.
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.